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On 25 March, negotiators from the Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the revision of the Driving Licences Directive. This agreement, announced on 25 March 2025, aims to modernise the rules governing driving licences across the European Union and helping alleviate the shortage of professional drivers.

Both institutions agreed to lower the minimum age for obtaining a truck driving licence from 21 to 18, provided the applicant holds a certificate of professional competence. Member States may allow 17-years-old to drive a truck or van on their territory only, if accompanied by an experienced driver. The new Directive will also allow driving with a B licence alternatively-fuelled vehicles, with a maximum weight up to 4.25 tonnes (instead of 3.5 tonnes). Negotiators also agreed on the EU-wide recognition of EU licences issued in exchange for licences from specific third countries which have a road safety framework similar to the EU. The Commission and Member States will assess and decide on a country-by-country basis which third countries are to benefit from such treatment.

CLECAT welcomes the trilogue agreement, as it marks a significant step towards easing access to the truck driver’s profession, providing the right flexibilities while ensuring road safety is not compromised. The introduction of digital licences and improved security features is also expected to benefit the logistics sector by reducing the administrative burden of applying/renewing driving licences. CLECAT believes these updates will contribute to a more efficient and secure road freight transport system across Europe.

The trilogue agreement needs to be formally adopted by the Parliament and Council before its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Source: European Parliament, Council of the EU